Warner Bros has just announced that a number of films they have in their vaults are about to get an overhaul. One of them, Lethal Weapon, is a top priority- and Mel Gibson won’t cameo. Or Danny Glover. In fact- NONE of the cast *or* their characters will be back.
Cinemaspy reports:
The reboot has been pitched as a hard, edgy, street cop movie…with a R-rating. Last year there was talk about a fifth ‘Lethal Weapon’ film from Shane Black, who had written the script and was also planning to direct. That concept is dead now, however, as the studio goes in a completely new direction with the franchise.
The reason for the reboot and other planned remakes (Westworld, The Wild Bunch, Oh God!, and Dirty Dozen among them) is due to one common factor. There is a huge shakeup of executives at WB. These are some of the known pitches on the table since the new blood has taken the corner offices. I hope this slate does not overwhelm or undermine other projects.
But I get this nasty vibe…
reboot?? why can’t they approach it as a James Bond-like franchise? you know same characters different actors, new story, new city, new villains … new movie. Cast Don Chedale and Chris Pine. ‘ill definitely watch that :D
I don’t have anything against reboots, per se, but Lethal Weapon? These characters are just so tied to Gibson and Glover that this idea is doomed. I wouldn’t watch this if it were on the tv in the hospital room while I was on my death bed. I would muster juuust enough strength the turn it OFF before I dying.
It would be cool if they made a really really dark 5th movie where Riggs is a true drunk (playing on Gibsons current situation) and Glover retired and bored stiff.
Then just throw in some sick killer killing off Leo from the get go and then something, something dark side something something…
hmm.. wild bunch remake could be good
why… WHY!!! Give creative people a third of the budget for this “re-boot” and start making good, original movies!!
Hollywood creates ten times more “original script” films every year than reboots and remakes.
Why deny them the opportunity.
I see you’re point and stand by mine, this is a direct to DVD idea and money should go to something else.
Also – this is “our” fault – these reboots make $$$$. Of COURSE the studios are going to keep at it. They are businesses.
I don’t know. Lethal Weapon ended up being more about the closeness of family that was solidified not by blood but by spirit. In the last few movies the characters all felt as if they truly cared for one another. From Riggs, Murtough and Leo, these adventures where as much about them being a family as anything. If they can carry on that tradition and not make it just an action fest then it could work.
The first Lethal Weapon had an R rating.